On November 5, 1911, "Dear Fellow-Teacher" letters were sent to more than 400 persons across the United States inviting them to help organize a National Council of Teachers of English. Nearly 70 educators attended that first meeting December 1-2; their goal: to create an organization that would "increase the effectiveness of school and college work in English."

For 100 years NCTE members have devoted their time, energy, and expertise to this goal. Thousands of literacy educators have shared their ideas through journal articles, books, discussions, and convention presentations; stood up for their students and defended their rights as readers and learners; and spoken out for their students and their profession to policymakers and the public.

Take a moment to browse the timeline below for information a look at 100 years of literacy history . . . in NCTE and the world!